New strategies in dental caries prevention: experimental study on casein phosphopeptides

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ABSTRACT

Aim

Casein phosphopeptides (CPPs) are phosphorylated casein-derived peptides produced by proteolytic digestion of
s1-, s2- and -casein in vitro or in the digestive tract. CPPs exhibit anti-caries activity relates to their capability to localise
high levels of amorphous Ca2 phosphate on tooth surface. Aim of this study is in vitro testing of the capability of CPPs to prevent
demineralisation and promote remineralisation of early enamel lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS 159 samples of dental enamel
were divided into 3 groups, which subsequently underwent 3 different chemical treatments: the samples from group I (control group)
were preserved in distilled water; the samples from group II were treated with a demineralising solution for producing artificial caries; the
samples from group III underwent the same treatment as group II, but with the addition of CPPs. The effects of these procedures were
evaluated by quantitative analysis (change in weight and calcium titration) and qualitative analysis (SEM). STATISTICS: Statistical
analysis of the results was performed using ANOVA. RESULTS In presence of CPPs, acid dissolution of human enamel is reduced by
over 50 in vitro. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that CPPs could be a valid preventive system against demineralisation
of early enamel lesions.

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